Omagh woman commissioned as All-Ireland President of Mothers' Union

A SPIRIT of celebration and thanksgiving filled St Columb’s Cathedral in Londonderry on Sunday, as Omagh woman Kay Clarke was commissioned as the new All-Ireland President of the Mothers’ Union.

Members and friends travelled from across Ireland for the colourful Service of Holy Communion, during which the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Rev John McDowell, formally commissioned Mrs Clarke to her new role. Seventeen members of the All-Ireland Trustee Board were also commissioned during the historic service.

It was a landmark occasion for the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe, as Mrs Clarke becomes only the second woman from the diocese to hold the prestigious role in the 139-year history of the Mothers’ Union in Ireland, following Mrs Thelma Mehaffey.

The service began with a vibrant procession of banners representing diocesan branches and the All-Ireland Mothers’ Union, reflecting the wide reach of the organisation and the strong support for Mrs Clarke’s appointment.

Five bishops took part in the celebration, including Rt Rev Andrew Forster, who preached the sermon. Other participants included his predecessor, Rt Rev Ken Good, and Bishop Isaac Ephraim Bangisa, Bishop of Ezo in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan.

The occasion also attracted civic leaders and distinguished guests, including the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, Ian Crowe MBE CStJ, Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Alderman Niree McMorris, and the High Sheriff of the City of Londonderry, Mrs Joan Doherty MBE DL. Former All-Ireland Presidents of the Mothers’ Union - Lady Eames, Mrs Phyllis Grothier and Mrs June Butler - were also present, with Mrs Butler formally presenting her successor to the Archbishop.

During the service, Mrs Clarke’s husband, Rev Robert Clarke, rector of Edenderry and Clanabogan parishes in the Church of Ireland, read the Gospel from John 4:5-42 - the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.

In his sermon, Bishop Andrew Forster reflected on the powerful symbolism of the reading, noting how an ordinary moment became extraordinary because Jesus was present. He reminded the congregation that the commissioning of the president and trustees by the Primate underlined that the ministry of Mothers’ Union belongs to the whole Church across the island.

Preaching on International Women’s Day, Bishop Forster highlighted that the longest recorded conversation Jesus had with any individual in the Bible was with a woman - one who had experienced hardship and marginalisation. Yet, he said, she encountered grace, compassion and hope.

“The Gospel reminds us that God meets us not only in the dramatic moments but in the everyday places of life,” the bishop said. “Jesus continues to meet people in the ordinary rhythms of life - in our homes, our workplaces and our communities.”

He added that Mothers’ Union at its best reflects that same spirit - meeting people where they are and offering compassion and support to those who may feel overlooked or burdened.

Referring to Mrs Clarke, Bishop Forster said those who know her recognise that her work is always centred on people and faith in action.

“For Kay it’s not simply about a role or an organisation,” he said. “It’s about people, about faith lived out in kindness, prayer and service. In many ways, Kay reflects the faithful spirit of the Mothers’ Union.”

The service was assisted by Rev Canon John Merrick, while musical worship was led by the Cathedral Choir of Boy Choristers, Girl Choristers and Lay Clerks, directed by Nicky Morton and accompanied by organist Louis Fields. Prayers were led by Eleanor Livingston, Mrs Grothier and Iris Suitor.

For Mrs Clarke, the appointment crowns a lifetime of service and commitment. Born and educated in Lisburn, she enjoyed a happy childhood with her parents and younger sister and was an active member of St Paul’s Parish Church, where she served as an officer in the Girls’ Brigade.

After graduating from Leicester University, she began her career at the Belfast Telegraph before training as a teacher. Her first teaching post was at Wallace High School in Lisburn, where she taught geography and computing. After marrying Rev Robert Clarke in 1990, she moved to Omagh Academy, where she served as head of computing.

Now retired from teaching, Mrs Clarke says it was a privilege to have shared in the lives of so many young people during her career. She and her husband have two married daughters, Alicia and Cathy, and are proud grandparents.

Sunday’s service marked not only the beginning of a new chapter for Mrs Clarke but also a moment of pride and celebration for the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe, as the Omagh woman steps into a leadership role serving Mothers’ Union members across the whole island of Ireland.